Shohei Ohtani earns his third Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award

Shohei Ohtani Claims Third Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year Award, Tying Michael Jordan

In a historic achievement that solidifies his place as one of the most dominant athletes in sports history, Shohei Ohtani has won his third Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award. This prestigious honor ties the Japanese superstar with basketball icon Michael Jordan. Ohtani’s remarkable feat places him just behind legends like Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who each hold four AP Athlete of the Year awards.

Ohtani Joins Elite Company with Third Athlete of the Year Title

Shohei Ohtani’s third win of the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award was announced in December 2024, capping off an extraordinary season that saw him continue to defy the odds and elevate his already legendary career. Speaking through translator Matt Hidaka, Ohtani expressed his gratitude and humility: “I’m very honored. All the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.” Ohtani’s words reflected his drive and commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.

With 48 votes from 74 sports journalists, Ohtani earned the prestigious title, cementing his place in history. This is not his first time winning the award – he claimed the title in 2021 and 2023, during his time with the Los Angeles Angels. Growing up in Japan, Ohtani was inspired by basketball greats like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, both of whom shaped his understanding of sports success. “I followed Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods growing up,” Ohtani shared. “I saw how they succeeded in the United States.”

Ohtani Surpasses Expectations with Historic Performances in 2024

Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was one for the record books. After making a high-profile move to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the struggling Angels, Ohtani helped lead his new team to their eighth World Series championship. He also made MLB history by becoming part of the exclusive 50/50 club, achieving 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. This performance made Ohtani the first player in MLB history to hit the 50/50 mark, solidifying his reputation as a baseball phenom.

Ohtani’s offensive prowess was complemented by career-high numbers across the board, including a .310 batting average, a personal best in home runs, and stolen bases. His 2024 season featured unforgettable moments, like his 6-for-6 game against the Miami Marlins in September, where he hit three home runs, drove in 10 RBIs, stole two bases, and totaled 17 bases in a single game – a performance that left fans and pundits in awe.

Brad Ausmus, who managed Ohtani during his second season with the Angels in 2019, praised Ohtani’s unique athleticism, calling him “the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball.” The sky seems to be the limit for Ohtani, with many speculating he could reach new heights in 2025, potentially achieving a 60/60 season.

Record-Breaking Achievements and Unmatched Versatility

Ohtani’s record-breaking season with the Dodgers saw him surpass the franchise’s previous home run record of 49, reaching a personal best of 46 home runs in 2021. “I wanted to pass that bar,” Ohtani said, and he certainly achieved it. His offensive contributions carried the Dodgers through much of the regular season, but even in the postseason, Ohtani’s performance didn’t falter. Though he injured his left shoulder during Game 2 of the World Series, Ohtani continued to play through the pain, proving his resilience.

The Dodgers’ victory in the 2024 World Series was a fitting conclusion to Ohtani’s stellar year. Despite the injury, he stayed focused on his recovery and underwent surgery after the World Series. “It feels a lot better now,” Ohtani remarked about his shoulder injury. “There’s no pain, just a little bit of tightness, but I’m slowly getting better.”

Looking Ahead: Ohtani’s 2025 Season and the Pursuit of Continued Success

As Shohei Ohtani looks ahead to the 2025 MLB season, his focus remains on getting fully healthy and continuing to perform at an elite level. He has made significant progress in his rehabilitation after the shoulder surgery and is determined to return stronger than ever. Ohtani is currently focusing on throwing in the 70-mile-per-hour range, which is typical for pitchers early in the offseason. “I’m going to continue to ramp up slowly,” he said, emphasizing the importance of taking things step by step as he prepares for the upcoming season.

The Dodgers are facing uncertainty in their starting rotation for the 2025 season, and Ohtani is ready to adapt to whatever role is necessary. “We may go with a five-man rotation or even a six-man rotation,” he explained. “It’s all about balancing rest and recovery, and we’ll see how that takes us along the playoff chase.”

Ohtani’s return to Japan for the 2025 season opener will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion, as he is closely watched by fans and the media in his home country. “My goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games start,” he shared. “Being able to pitch and hit would be great, but we’ll see how things develop.”

Off the Field: Ohtani’s Charitable Nature and Global Impact

Ohtani’s influence extends far beyond the baseball diamond. His impact on the Dodgers’ brand and his popularity in Japan have helped the team attract new sponsors and fans. At Dodger Stadium, Ohtani’s loyal followers traveled from Japan to witness his incredible talent firsthand, often purchasing exclusive Ohtani-branded merchandise, including his No. 17 jersey.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Ohtani is admired for his character and sportsmanship. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s kindness and humility, saying, “I really do believe that as good as a ballplayer he is, he’s a much better person. He’s very kind, considerate, and cares deeply about others.” Ohtani’s humble nature and dedication to his teammates have earned him respect in the clubhouse and from fans worldwide.

Conclusion: Shohei Ohtani’s Bright Future in Baseball

As Ohtani moves into the 2025 season, he will continue to be one of the most captivating figures in sports. With his unparalleled ability to both pitch and hit at the highest level, Ohtani remains a unique and invaluable asset to the Dodgers and Major League Baseball. His journey from Japan to MLB stardom is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic, and fans can’t wait to see what he will accomplish next.

Shohei Ohtani’s continued dominance in MLB, paired with his humility and determination, makes him a player to watch in 2025. With the possibility of another MVP award and another World Series title, there’s no telling how far this baseball icon can go. The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the incredible story of Shohei Ohtani.